Make a Splash Into Memorial Day Weekend

 
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The kick-off to Summer is Memorial Day!

Growing up in the North East sometimes the Holiday Weekend was warm and sunny but sometimes it was still too early for that Poolside Summer Weekend. Either way, I remember Memorial Day Weekend as a time for good food, great music, friends, and always family. If it was warm it was the first weekend to splash in the pool but if not water balloons would do. No matter the weather my Grandmother would always have the juiciest watermelon cut up for everyone to enjoy.

Are you planning a BBQ, Picnic, or Backyard Family Gathering this year?

If so here your in luck here are some of my favorite hosting tips:

#Eventsbeyondfavoritethings

  • Fun Hydration Ideas - Infuse crafts of water with your favorite berries (think Red, White, and Blue)

    • For an added splash use a star-shaped cookie cutter for fun watermelon pieces

  • Always Serve Up Cold Salads - How about a tasty Mediterranean salad?Chop up lots of fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and lots of feta cheese. Whip up a quick homemade tangy red wine vinaigrette with fresh herbs and seasons.

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  • Don’t Forget The Chips!

    • Serve-up a Variety of Kettle Chip- It’s a Holiday Weekend everyone wants salty sweet crunchy chips

  • Spice Up Your BBQ Station - let's forget about Hamburgers and Hot Dogs; you can easily step it up. Who wouldn’t want a Grilled Kabobs Station?

    • Have fun and be creative get some spicy kielbasa, sweet sausage, chicken, pork, steak etc. Also make a bunch of in vegetable skewers (use in-season veggies)

    • My suggestion is to prepare and make all of your skewers meat only/ vegetable only this works best for ideal cook time (you want that meat evenly cooked all the way through). This is a win/win for your vegetarian guests

  • Sips- Did Someone Say Cocktails? - Summer Fresh Tequila Watermelon Fizz - Include watermelon, sparkling lime-aide, Tequila, a splash of club soda, served in a glass with ice and garnished with a mint leaf

    • Don’t forget the kiddos- Make them feel special with a Summer sip of their own. This Mocktail is easy simple leave out the tequila and use a kid-friendly watermelon star for garnish (if your making pitchers make sure to label it to prevent any mishaps)

  • Summer Dessert - When it comes to Memorial Day Dessert there is no need to shy away from the classic Strawberry Shortcake.

    • Your going to want to sweeten/dapper this up EB style to give it that WOW factor….

SUMMER STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

Gluten-Free Bisquick™ Pancake & Baking Mix

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I love using the Gluten-Free Bisquick™ Pancake & Baking Mix for my Strawberry Shortcake. I use this mix because I have to(I’m gluten-free)but honestly, these biscuits come out light and fluffy with just the right amount of density.

I suggest you dapper up the recipe that Bisquick provides. I always start with adding a dash of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest in the wet ingredients.

Save the rest of the lemon and right before you put the shortcake in the oven brush the lemon juice on top and sprinkle with turbinado sugar (raw sugar). Let them bake till they are that perfect golden color.

Strawberry Mix- Try to use local strawberries if possible. If not use store bought berries (not frozen) *for added touch mix berries with 1 teaspoon or so of balsamic*

Topping- You can’t go wrong with Coconut Whip Cream - I use canned whole coconut milk

Side note- For best results make sure to put the coconut milk in the refrigerator before making or else it won’t whip well. The longer it’s in the refrigerator the better.

I like to add a tiny splash of vanilla and or lemon juice to enhance the taste if you don’t have either you could use real maple syrup

Are You In a Pinch for Time? Don’t worry we all are. Instead of cool whip try my favorite it's called True Whip.

You can find it at your local health food store, Whole Foods, and many other grocery stores. http://www.truwhip.com/

When serving place the biscuits on a nice tray or serving dish. Let your guests make their own strawberry shortcake.

Now if that’s not summer in a cup well I don’t know what is!!

Whether you’re jumping into the pool, playing corn hole or tossing water balloons Memorial Day Weekend is a time to celebrate with family and friends. If your hosting keep those tunes rolling, the food grilling and the drinks flowing and you will create a memorable splash into summer!

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend.


EB Tip: Don’t forget to snap lots of photos to capture those memories

Ben GilesComment